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Nanaimo bust yields suspect and stolen property

An ATV, welder, hand tools, including jig saws and impact drills, and a paraglider valued at $9,000 were among items seized when Nanaimo RCMP raided a residence in the 2400 block of Bowen Road Wednesday.

Police said the residence was suspected for some time of receiving stolen goods and the items recovered were either stolen from vehicles or during break-ins to homes and businesses.

One of the three occupants inside the home tried to flee on a bicycle when police entered at about 5 p.m., but was arrested without incident along with the two other people while police searched the house.

One man, 30, and a female, 17, were released unconditionally. A man, 34, who lives in the home was also released on a promise to appear at Nanaimo provincial court Nov. 15 to face recommended charges of possession of stolen property.

Police are trying to return the stolen items to their owners.

The paragliding kit was reported stolen July 19 from a vehicle in the underground parking lot at 20 Townsite Rd. and police have contacted the owners.

Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said thefts from vehicles and break and enters have been on the rise recently.

"We know there have been several guys who are very active," O'Brien said. "They're targeting cars. They're working in tandem. We're not saying that having identified this house and arrested this individual it'll stop, but it's certainly one person and at least one home that was involved in this activity."

The public is asked not to call Nanaimo RMCP detachment about stolen property. Investigators are attempting to find and check serial numbers on the items and will contacts owners of the items.

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